Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited an Orleans Parish man
for alleged illegal possession of piranha, a live alligator and drug
paraphernalia on Jan. 8.

On Dec. 20, 2012 the LDWF
agents received a complaint about an apartment tenant that possessed a live
alligator and had left it unattended to leave for Christmas vacation.

Agents responded to the
residence of Quinn Vanderbosch, 22, of New Orleans. The agents were
granted access to the apartment by a roommate and observed an alligator in a
large plastic bin and a large fish tank with piranha swimming.

Agents returned to the
residence with a search warrant to seize the illegal fish and alligator, as
well as various drug paraphernalia left out in the open.

Agents cited Vanderbosch for
possession of a live alligator without a permit, possession of a prohibited
species (piranha), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Due to the similarities with
Louisiana waters and the piranha’s natural habitat, as well as the fish’s
invasive nature, the fish are strictly forbidden to be possessed or sold within
the state with the only exceptions being the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of the
Americas with an LDWF permit.

Possession of an alligator
carries $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Possession of
piranha brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possession
of drug paraphernalia is determined by the presiding judge.

Agents involved in the case
are Senior Agent Jared Taylor and Sgt. Kris Bourgeois of LDWF and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Special Agent Scotty Boudreaux.